Home Remedy for Dry Mouth

The saliva in the mouth performs a number of major functions such as the controlling of fungi and bacteria in the mouth in addition to the prevention of tooth decay. The saliva will also help tremendously in moistening and cleansing our mouths while also helping in the digestion of food. While having a dry mouth is quite a common condition, affecting almost one in every four or five adults mostly women, the negligence of the problem can lead to a number of oral dysfunctions in the long run. The condition may also cause a certain amount of uneasiness to the sufferer. One of the major causes of the condition is the side effects of some very commonly used medication. Non prescription drugs that are frequently used in the treatment of pain, anxiety and depression will often list a dry mouth as one of the side effects while the condition can also be a knock on effect of some other, more serious underlying conditions. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, anemia and diabetes, among others, will all lead to a severe dryness in the mouth.

While most people make an incorrect assumption that an increase in the intake of water will help produce more saliva in the mouth, it doesn’t really help to a great deal. If you are suffering from acute or chronic dry mouth, you should try a few of the following home remedies:

• The constant munching on waterlogged snacks like celery sticks can greatly stimulate the saliva glands, thereby adding more moisture to your mouth. Sucking on sugarless candies can also do the trick, but make sure that you do not use sugar filled candy as they will increase the levels of tooth decay in an already unprotected mouth.
• A dry mouth will very often inhibit your taste buds from distinguishing between sour, salty, sweet and bitter flavors. The sprinkling of red cayenne pepper into your food or mixing it along with your favorite juice will send a strong wake up call to not only your saliva glands but your tear ducts and sweat glands as well.
• Since dehydration can be one of the primary causes for a dry mouth, it is essential that electrolytes are restored to the body. Create a concoction by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water and drink 1 or more cups of this everyday. You could also add a little lemon or orange for flavor.